Immigrant woman returns home after living in church

TUCSON, Ariz. (KSAZ) - A woman who escaped deportation by living in a Tucson church for 15 months is finally returning to her home in Arizona.

She received deportation orders last year and found sanctuary inside the church, but after reaching a deal with the government she is now able to live in the U.S. without fear of deportation.

42-year-old Rosa Robles Loreto was welcomed into the Southside Presbyterian Church for the last time before her official departure.

The church prayed a blessing over Rosa, then she walked out the doors, safe from deportation to a reception in her honor.

Rosa came into the country legally, but overstayed her visa and received deportation orders. A spokesperson says her attorney came to an agreement with the government allowing her to stay in the United States. Some say it could lead to other immigrant families wanting to stay and violating their orders to leave.

"There's no question, I'm not leaving," said Rosa Loreto.

Rosa had a lot of community support with thousands of signs posted by activists all over Tucson. She says the support has been overwhelming.

Rosa is a mother of two, and her family was there to watch her leave the church for the last time.